Episode 122: Selecting the Right Stitch Length, Hanging Quilts on Walls, and Cutting Mat Lifespans

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer a fresh batch of listener questions. Some topics discussed include using the right stitch length for piecing, making napkins and placemats, hanging mini quilts, tips for chain piecing, cleaning and/or replacing cutting mats and rotary blades, quilt labels, and more!
Show Notes Blog Post: www.aquiltingl...
New Podcast Email Address: [e-mail]
Star Crossed Remix (Quilt on the Wall): tidd.ly/3Wh2Dku
Anthem (Quilt on the Table): tidd.ly/3W3TSJd
Summer Star Medley (Quilt above Sewing Machine): tidd.ly/3OfyPkf
How to Hang a Mini Quilt Video: • How to Hang a Mini Quilt
All About Moda Toweling by Janelle Kent Video: • All About Moda Towelin...
Otter & Thyme KZbin Channel: / @otterandthyme
NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.
Where to Find Us:
Facebook: A Quilting Life with Sherri & Chelsi: / 459389991531728
A Quilting Life Blog: www.aquiltingl...
Chelsi Stratton Blog: chelsistratton...
A Quilting Life Patreon: / aquiltinglife
A Quilting Life Instagram: / aquiltinglife
Chelsi Stratton Instagram: / chelsistratton
A Quilting Life Pattern Shop: www.etsy.com/s...
Chelsi Stratton Pattern Shop: www.etsy.com/s...
Music:
Lucidity By Kings • Video
Artist SoundCloud / onlyfeels
Music Promoted by goo.gl/5NfMV4

[@kellyholtz8830]

I wish you could share a video of you choosing the strike offs that make the cut. That would be fun to watch.

[@lindabaldwin6293]

I agree that would be fun. We know you would need to wait to post the video until the fabric is ready to show publicly. ❤

[@SewWhittle]

My two machines are both pre-set on 2.5 - thanks for suggesting 2.0 for piecing (I was seeing some pieces pull apart easily). I am currently quilting my own quilts and hearing you say you use 3.5 will help a lot. Thanks again!

[@michellejaggard9657]

No!!! Always put a label on! Even on selling! Someone will look for it because they want one also and want to buy a pattern or a quilt like it. 100 years from now your quilt may end up in an antique store and someone would want the history on it. that is what the quilt label is for.

[@shelleyopland4041]

On my Bernina 750 I find my seams may still come open a few stitches at 2.0 so have gone to a 1.8 stitch length. Small enough to hold seam edges but still big enough to accommodate the dreaded seam ripped. Love A Quilting Life Mondays!

[@carmenbailey1560]

What a beautiful collection of quilts to frame you all and to display on your walls. I have to share that I too have a computerize Jamone and love sewing with it, it’s getting it’s 2 yr. service work done and can’t wait to get it back. Again, beautiful quilt display thanks for sharing. 👍❤️🙂

[@pathallberg3267]

I've been quilting since the 80's and I've only replaced 2 mats. The 2 I replaced, I now use the back side for cutting batting. I only use the lines on my mats for cutting things that are bigger than my ruler and therefore cut in different places all the time. I have to admit I need to change my needle more often! Loved this video with such a variety of topics!

[@suepeschke2256]

Thank you for all the ideas to hang quilts

[@juliasander1680]

Making choices about what I make even as a hobby quilter is important. I had to laugh to myself recently when my new dental hygienist found out I was a quilter & asked me to make her one! I told her I only make quilts for love or charity, but since she likes sewing, I recommended she make one herself!

[@kimjohnson3110]

I always put labels on quilts I give to family members. Just so whoever ends up with down the road have the history of it long after I’m gone.

[@stellabredin1222]

I started using the 2.0 setting on my Bernina too. It makes a world of difference especially on small blocks!

[@pattieverdecanna8984]

I have had the same mat for 5 years. I cut from ruler measurements 90% of the time.

[@caroline-brisbane8577]

Love seeing the quilts these were special.

[@marileekgriffith1812]

Excuse me, but I would at least insert a loose label with a quilt you sell. It’s information that is important about the quilt. You ladies are pros & people may want to know who made it, line of fabric, date completed, etc. Value the work you do!!

[@peterdamiani4238]

I watch your video’s frequently and enjoy them. Today I was a little disappointed with the answer to a valid question. The question regarding how often you replace a cutting mat, blade, needle etc. when you responded you noted how frequently you replace these items from your perspective. I would have liked the answer to be geared towards the audience as opposed to your needs as full time professionals working in the industry. Today’s episode was viewers questions . I sense you may not know the questions before hand. Some of the questions may require a little thought or research. The company recommendations would have been a better answer. I did enjoy the info on how the fabric is made and learning about strike off’s. Your video’s normally provide so much great information as well as inspiration and will continue to watch. Thank you

[@colleenquiltstoo]

Another reason not to use the lines on your mat for measuring. Mats are expensive! If you use your rulers to measure, your mat will last for years (and if the top gets worn, you can flip it over and use it for even longer!). I have 2 18x24 mats that are side by side on my cutting table. One is 20 years old, and I’m now using the back. The other is 10 years old and still looks great!

[@susannafreyvogel5540]

My machine is a Bernina which I love. The default is 2.5 but I want ll try the 2.2. And who knew what stitch to use for quilting. So helpful. L❤ your You Tube video’s and fabric and patterns of course! I’m a huge fan❤

[@janelicata5328]

I absolutely love your podcast and look forward to every episode! You always provide so much useful information. When piecing my quilts, I used a 2.0 stitch length until Kimberly Jolly from the Fat Quarter Shop suggested using a 1.8 stitch length. I feel that small difference makes my blocks feel more stable, and, if needed, they are not too difficult to rip out….ask me how I know. 😂

[@DianeM-hy4np]

Sherri it would be great to see a video of your home and how you display your quilts. I really enjoyed Chelsi's video of her home she did a while back. Also, thank you for reminding us out here watching you that this is a fulltime job for both of you. When watching your videos and seeing your beautiful quilts, it is easy to think, wow how do they get all this done and why can't I? or why don't they do this or that themselves, instead of having someone else do it?. For you it is a job. For the majority of us out here, it is a hobby. It was such a great reminder of how hard you all work to get so much done. Chelsi it was great to hear how you put your family first.

[@teresastradinger9986]

I've made some napkins using Essex linen. They're lovely and feel substantial. I want to try the toweling too

[@angelcunningham6598]

Hello! What pattern/letters did you use for the A Quilting Life wall hanging that you all showed when talking about ways to hang quilts? I noticed it last year and love it! Thanks!

[@kimjohnson3110]

I can’t believe I’ve never really known about ou guys until recently. Just got your new book in the mail and can’t wait to make something from it! Love your podcasts!!!

[@debadrian8017]

I love the idea of Billy walking us through his filming / editing process! Billy you are so good at what you do My daughter just opened a shop/studio in Gypsum Colorado and i see you tube in her near future Thank you for considering this idea

[@conniekrinsky4756]

Good morning: I love watching your episodes whenever they come out. The listener questions podcast is one of my favorites. Getting into making labels for quilts,, I find the easiest way is by using my inkjet printer. I use EQ printable (The Electric Quilt Co.) printable labels. After the label is printed, I surround the label with strips of fabric from the quilt and hand sew it to the back of the quilt. The ink will stay on after washing. Add the persons name along with any other information. For example, if it is a baby quilt, list the name, date of birth, pounds and/or inches, pattern name and who it is from. The history of the label will live on and on.

[@sonjadalglish6544]

Love your podcast, beautiful fabrics and quilts. They are so happy and optimistic. On Mondays, I clean & oil my machine and change my needle. I had heard 8 hours for a needle, which means that I need to change it in the middle of the week as well. I notice that I have less thread lint when I change the needle. Thank you for your podcasts.

[@KathyM-c6i]

My Juki is pre-set on 2.4 and I always reset it for either 2.0 or 2.2 for piecing. I appreciate that Sherri confirmed that stitch length for me :)

[@kimjohnson3110]

Endurance blades by Olfa last a long time! I just bought some on half price sale at one of the big sewing stores. Great deal!

[@vickypetry1049]

Good morning!!❤

[@kimjohnson3110]

Love both of the showcased quilts. I could see anthem fine in Orange and black or green and red!

[@marydicarlo5189]

Will either of you ladies ever teach at Houston Quilt Festival? I would to take a class with you.

[@Colleenf3277]

Thanks for the stitch length I also have the same machine I was changing to 195 but will have to see if I can set it so I don't have to change all the time

[@rhondahallet8413]

I would want the label to be on the quilt or items I purchased. I just believe in labels.

[@kimjohnson3110]

Good info on stitch length. I always use 2.0 on my Juki most times.

[@patriciaruppert201]

Love the video. You guys are such a cool family. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@michellejaggard9657]

I think the ones in resturants have a lot of poly in them so they won't wrinkle and they aren't absobant.

[@kimhannah1632]

I enjoy your videos so much. Truly Billy is such a joy!

[@susanbenedict6988]

Where can I get ladders like yours?

[@connievaughan3963]

What is the name of the quilt pattern behind Chelsea at the top of the rack?

[@margienell4401]

Broadcloth for napkins is my thought

[@deidrapowell8762]

I have bernina and Janome. Thanks for this info

[@pattieverdecanna8984]

What? A new collection in the works? Woohoo!

[@marykauffman3686]

Thanks! Great episode!

[@margienell4401]

I have had the same mat for 4 years

[@StacyCraig-ym4bu]

What is a strike off?

[@PattiMac00]

Old mats make great applique templates

[@marykauffman3686]

How do you cut them up?

[@kabjhill]

Never thought of that. I use them as bottom liners for cloth shopping bags and liners for tool box drawers, etc. Old rotary cutters or utility knives work to cut most mats.